Massaging device



April 28,1936. A, M O 2,038,846

MASSAGING DEVICE Original Filed May 16, 1950 afifowweg Patented Apr. 28, 1936 UNITED STATES MAS SAGING DEVICE Carl A. Matson,

Swampscott, Mass.

Refiled for abandoned application Serial No.

452,881, May 16, 1930.

This application August 22, 1935, Serial N0. 37,367

1 Claim.

My present invention is a novel and improved massaging apparatus.

In devices of this character, and particularly those wherein a plurality of elements are in mo- 5 tion, either in diverse directions or otherwise, I find that there is likely to be an objectionable eifect on the skin of the patient, due to a slight pinching effect, or otherwise, and my present invention obviates such prior difficulties and provides a yielding resilient contacting means, element, or elements, through which the massaging action is transmitted to the patient in a yielding manner and without an objectionable or nervewearing tendency.

My invention is preferably comprised of one or more rubber, or rubberlike, elements to which the massaging movement is imparted, and preferably by fitting the rubbing element or elements directly upon the moving device, and preferably with provision for further yielding action in a universal direction. I may also utilize a plurality of such yielding resilient members either united by a rubber web or the like, or united by a mass of sponge rubber or the like. The resilient action imparted to the patient is that of a soothing and yielding massaging action eliminating the danger of a pinching effect and, furthermore, permitting a higher speed if desired without injurious effects.

This application is refiled for my abandoned application Serial No. 452,881, filed May 16, 1930.

Referring to the drawing illustrating preferred embodiments of my invention,

Fig. 1 is a side view, partly in section, of my present improvement as applied to a massaging device;

Fig. 2 is a perspective View ofthe yielding elements shown in Fi 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a single rubber contacting member;

Fig. 4 is a perspective, partly in section, of a modified form utilizing a sponge rubber and adapted to fit upon the moving elements, and

Fig. 5 is a further modification utilizing sponge rubber or the like and adapted to fit over the single rubber contact member, such as shown in Fig. 3.

As shown in the drawing, I have designated the apparatus generally at I, with a handle 2, the movable elements 3, actuated by a cam 4 or otherwise, moving about a center, preferably of a ball and socket type 5. The movable elements 3 are fitted with extending stems 6. Preferably a plurality of such movable elements are provided, four being usual and customary.

Adapted to fit upon the movable elements 3 are my present improved form of yielding and resilient massaging devices or surfaces. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the same comprise a plurality of rubber or rubberlike tubular members 1, 1, 1, being united by a thin rubber web l0, each of the tubular members 1 extending beyond the web Ill and terminating in a contacting surface which may be of either softer or harder rubber 8, 8. In each of the tubular members 1 I preferably mould or secure a metal block or washer I2 with a central recess adapted to fit over the reduced stem 6 of the element 3. Preferably, also, I provide the element 3 with a cone-shaped portion, as clearly shown in Fig. 1, in cross-section at H! so that the inner end or shank of the tubular member I will fit snugly thereover and hold the entire resilient or contact piece firmly on the movable elements 3.

Preferably also I position the metallic block or washer l2 with provision permitting the entire tubular member to yield considerably thereon by the limit afforded by the spaces I5 and I6, as also shown in Fig. 1.

With my improved massaging device as thus constructed and arranged, an automatic yielding provision is effected for each and all of the plurality of massaging elements, both because 01 the inherent resiliency therein and because of the sliding permitted due to the spaces l5 and I6, as above provided. The connecting web I tends to increase the resiliency and yielding action as well as aiding and preventing any pinching effect. The resilient contact devices thus yield in all directions and permit further manipulation and massaging effect in the operation of the device while also facilitating increased speed without discomfort.

In Fig, 3 I have shown a single resilient contacting member having a tubular shank I1 and fitted, as illustrated in Fig. 1, with a block l2 and the surface l8 being either of harder or softer rubber than the shank H, as desired.

In Fig. 4 I have illustrated a modified form of yielding contacting members consisting of a mass of sponge rubber or the like 20, having a plurality of recesses 21 to fit upon the spindles B and having contacting surfaces 22 of a different degree of resiliency, if desired.

In Fig. I have illustrated a still further modification in which the resilient member 20 of sponge rubber or the like is fitted with a larger series of recesses 24, 24 adapted to fit over and upon the tubular and. contacting members I! and i8, as illustrated in Fig. 3. This provides a further resilient binding effect similar to that of the web I!) in the first form shown and described.

I claim:

In a massaging device of the kind described, a plurality of independently movable elements, means to impart movement thereto, yielding massaging means covering each of said elements, and retaining means for said yielding means permitting longitudinal sliding movement thereof on said elements.

CARL A. MATSON. 

